- Half day city tour of Marrakech
- At leisure in Marrakech
Enjoy a riveting half day tour of the ancient streets of Marrakech, accompanied by a specialist guide. You'll head from the bustling Medina, twisting your way through the kaleidoscopic souks, and arrive at breathtaking palaces and museums. The souks, under a bamboo roof to shade people from the summer sun, have a vast array of things to sell, all arranged in enticing colours, shapes and styles. You will be whisked around the souks, peering into and even haggling in different areas such as the spices, gold/silver, nuts and fruit souks. There will be a chance to see the metalworking and woodworking areas, and perhaps a visit to the underground communal bakeries where the bread for each local family is cooked. The tanneries are also a popular attraction, though you may wish to protect yourself with a mint sprig to offset the smell! Continue to the Palais Bahia, which is arguably the most architecturally impressive palaces in the country. It was constructed in the late 19th Century, and its name means 'brilliance', and you'll witness why: magnificent rooms open onto opulent courtyards, which edge onto a stunning 2-acre landscaped garden. It was intended to capture the essence of Islamic and Moroccan styles, merging into one; you'll likely come across similar structural themes throughout your trip. Continue to the Madrasa: once a prosperous Islamic college and now an Islamic heritage site, it boasts splendid courtyards and open-air galleries. Other highlights of this tour include the epic Museum of Marrakech, where you can learn of the city's intriguing history, followed by the Saadian tombs, where you can marvel at the sepulchres of this compelling dynasty. Your tour ends in the Mellah, an enchanting neighbourhood in Marrakech inhabited by the city's Jewish population. The beauty of having your private guide is that you can specify your interests: whether it’s the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture, the hidden market gems or the more modern areas of Marrakech, your guide will happily accommodate.
At leisure in Marrakech
Explore the wonderful Marrakech at leisure. Meander the glorious souks to have a go at your haggling skills and visit one of the city’s beautiful mosques. Take a trip to the UNESCO designated square Djemaa el-Fna filled with local culinary delights and quirky entertainment opportunities. Admire the architecture of Ali ben Youssef Medersa, a former Islamic college, an excellent example of Hispano-Moresque architecture. Perhaps head to the new town of Gueliz for an alternative experience. Be sure to see Boulevard Mohamed VI with its 5 km of rose gardens and fountains. Visit Hivernage for its café and outdoor restaurants, a popular spot amongst young Moroccans. Gueliz is also known for its shopping and offers a more peaceful experience than buying goods from the bustling souks. You will find various designers here and boutiques. Café Glacier L’Opera, located on Avenue Mohamed VI in Hivernage serves a lovely breakfast, offering both Morrocan and international fare. For a bit of art and culture, pop into the Matisse Art Gallery to discover Moroccan artistic talent. For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, be sure to visit the Jardin Majorelle, founded by French painter Jacques Majorelle; a beautiful garden that boasts over 300 species of plants. Its iconic vibrant blue exterior is striking against its surrounding vegetation. Ask the guide to show you to the local hammam. A "Hammam" is the name for Moroccan public bath houses, and an experience here will allow you to completely relax and unwind. Or perhaps take a trip through Sidi Ghanem where local artists have outlets next to the antique shops. For adventure seekers, you may want to try Ouasira swimming park with its rides and flumes. Or simply enjoy your riad or hotel.
Accommodation: Riad Palais des Princesses or similar
The Golden Tulip Hotel is in the upmarket area of the Hivernage district of Marrakech not far from the Medina (about 15-20 minutes’ walk) It is on a street next to some large secluded hotels , tree lined streets and the horse drawn carriage station outside. Guests can swim in the pool, relax in the Hammam sauna, or relax in the gardens. There are also several dining options to choose from, including Italian, Moroccan, and international cuisine. WiFi is available.
4.6
We always stay at here when in town. The location is great, staff is wonderful and we love the overall feel. Beautiful view from the here.
3.6
This is the best tour on the east coast! It was amazing how many places we visited and what great memories we made!
4
It is a great place to shop not too far from New York. We took the bus from Port Authority and traveled through the countryside to get there.